Help Support Those With Ataxia This October with a Vote for Ataxia UK in Our Charity Poll

As the UK’s leading national charity for ataxia, Ataxia UK provides support, advice and information for anyone affected by the condition. In addition, they raise funds for medical research towards finding treatments, and ultimately, a cure.

What is Ataxia? 

Ataxia is a collective term for a group of neurological disorders that can affect balance, coordination and speech. There are different types of ataxia that affect people in different ways, but anyone of any age can get it, and certain types are more common among different age groups. In the UK, there are around 10,000 adults and around 500 children diagnosed with some form of progressive ataxia. Some forms of the condition are treatable, but in most cases, there is no cure. Shockingly, only 13% of people in the UK have heard of ataxia.

What Does Ataxia UK Do?

Ataxia UK believes that all people affected by the condition deserve support, understanding and most importantly, a cure. Overall, they have four key aims: 

• To find treatments and cure for one or more forms of ataxia.

• To improve medical and social care for people affected by the condition.

• To raise awareness of ataxia.

• To provide unique support services for those affected enabling them to have the most control, freedom and choice in how they live their lives.

Research

As a medical research charity, Ataxia UK provides funds and support research with the ultimate goal of developing treatments and cures. Since 2000, they have invested £6.75 million in research both in the UK and internationally. The charity works collaboratively with patient groups, researchers and pharmaceutical companies to speed up the research process, improving the chances of finding a cure.

Support & Awareness

The charity provides information on ataxia, along with its impact and the practical implications of it. Additionally, their dedicated helpline is there to offer support, information and advice for anyone affected by the condition. They also work to facilitate peer support for patients, carers and family, through conferences, support groups and online community spaces. Additionally, the charity works to raise awareness of the condition through campaigns and work with medical research and ataxia organisations all over the world. 

Ataxia UK receives no government funding, so the generosity of their supporters is vital. This October, they are one of our charity partners featuring in this month’s poll. Help them continue their work in funding vital research into ataxia and providing support to those affected by the condition by voting for them in our charity poll. 

Find out more about Ataxia UK and how you can support their work, visit their website: http://www.ataxia.org.uk/.